Crime
18-Year-Old Tennessee Gunner Joseph Fisher Arrested in Alleged Plot to Carry Out Mass Shooting choosing Nashville mosque as target
He has since been indicted by a federal grand jury and is now asking to be released from custody.
Federal authorities have arrested 18-year-old Gunner Joseph Fisher of Big Rock, Tennessee, on charges related to an alleged plot to commit a mass shooting.
Fisher, who harbored extreme racist and violent ideologies, had reportedly been planning such an attack for years, according to an affidavit filed in federal court by FBI Special Agent Christopher R. Potts.
Fisher was apprehended in late December following a tip-off from Meta Platforms, the parent company of Instagram, which alerted authorities to alarming messages on his account.
The messages indicated Fisher was planning a mass shooting and had amassed a cache of weapons and ammunition.
Investigators found that Fisher had posted disturbing content online, expressing his hatred toward specific racial and religious groups, including Jews, African Americans, and Muslims.
He frequently referenced admiration for mass shooters and posted images of himself posing with firearms and tactical gear.
One of his posts read:
“My entire school is gonna be wiped off the face of this EARTH.”
He also discussed potential targets, including his own school and a local mosque in Nashville, inspired by Brenton Tarrant, the perpetrator of the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand.
Fisher’s online activity included communications with an unidentified individual outside of Tennessee, where they exchanged messages about orchestrating mass shootings. In one exchange, Fisher allegedly stated:
“I’m gonna go on a spree this year probably. I’ve been planning for five years.”
He also inquired whether his associate would mention his attack in their manifesto.
On December 14, 2024, FBI agents conducted an interview with Fisher at his residence, during which he admitted to a long-standing fascination with mass shootings and an obsession with violent content.
A search of his electronic devices uncovered a chilling video where he declared his intent to target racial and religious minorities, using hate-filled rhetoric.
Additionally, investigators retrieved a manifesto dated November 29, in which Fisher detailed his plan to use firearms and explosives to cause mass casualties at his school.
Fisher has since been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of communicating threats of mass violence, and federal prosecutors have requested he remain in custody without bond. In their request, prosecutors argued that “no set of conditions will assure the safety of the community.”
The U.S. Magistrate Judge, Barbara D. Holmes, has continued a detention hearing to allow Fisher’s defense to present evidence regarding his mental health diagnosis and potential treatment options. The hearing is scheduled to resume on Tuesday morning.
While the case received minimal media coverage, it did capture the attention of Solomon Henderson, the 17-year-old student responsible for the recent deadly shooting at Antioch High School. Henderson, who shot two fellow students before taking his own life, referenced Fisher in his online diary, posting:
“N**a was in my area lol,”*
There is no evidence suggesting the two individuals knew each other personally, but authorities are investigating any potential links.
Federal authorities continue to examine Fisher’s online activity, including communications with individuals who may have influenced or encouraged his behavior. They are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
Law enforcement and local officials have reassured the public that proactive measures are in place to prevent similar incidents. Schools in the region have increased security and counseling resources for students and families affected by recent events.
Anyone with information regarding the case is encouraged to contact the FBI Nashville Field Office or submit tips anonymously through the FBI’s tip line.
Crime
Chico Police Fatally Shoot Suspect Michael Oxley Following Weekend Attack on Local Barber George Ramirez III
The Butte County District Attorney’s Office and the Butte County Officer-Involved Shooting Protocol Team are actively investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred early Sunday morning in Chico.
The incident took place at The Post, an off-campus student housing complex on Nord Avenue, where members of the Chico Police SWAT team engaged 43-year-old Michael Oxley, a suspect in a Friday night shooting.
According to District Attorney Mike Ramsey, the situation began Friday evening when Oxley allegedly shot 43-year-old George Ramirez III, a well-known downtown Chico barber, in the parking lot of the Chico Farmer’s Market on Flume Street.
Ramirez was sitting in his vehicle when an assailant approached from behind and fired multiple rounds through the closed driver’s side window, striking him in the head, neck, and shoulder.
He was transported to an out-of-area hospital, where he underwent extensive surgery and remains in critical condition.
Following an overnight investigation, Chico Police identified Oxley as the primary suspect. Authorities determined that he was staying at The Post as an Airbnb resident, not as a student.
A warrant for his arrest was obtained through the District Attorney’s Office and a local judge.
Officers attempted to take Oxley into custody around 6 p.m. on Saturday, but he barricaded himself inside his apartment, prompting a lockdown of the housing complex.
The situation escalated when Oxley fled to the parking structure, where SWAT officers contained him on a ramp between the fourth and fifth floors.
Authorities reported that Oxley was crouching with a pistol equipped with an extended magazine.
Despite two hours of negotiation urging him to surrender, Oxley stood up and opened fire at officers.
In response, six members of the Chico Police SWAT team returned fire, fatally wounding him. The shooting occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 2.
The Butte County Officer-Involved Shooting Protocol Team launched an immediate investigation following the incident.
The six involved officers have been placed on administrative leave, per standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.
Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the case, including the suspect’s motive and the sequence of events leading up to the fatal encounter.
Additional details will be released as the investigation progresses.